United Prairie Bank

United Prairie Bank

Mankato, MN

4,000 Square Feet

The design for United Prairie Bank’s new downtown Mankato branch returned the historic National Citizens Bank building back to its original splendor after nearly a half a century of use as a clothing store. The historic details of the building that were previously covered in the clothing store are now restored and highlighted as elegant design features of the bank. The bank was designed to be open for natural light filtration and to create a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for customers and employees.

The space showcases the original ornate coffered ceiling supported by faux painted marble columns. To preserve the historic elements, the bank offices were designed to be open with glass partitioned walls that allow the building’s beautiful details to be visible throughout. This also allows for maximum daylight to fill the entire space. The interior walls slope away from the exterior walls to leave the beautiful ceiling as untouched as possible and to remain viewable from the whole office. The bank lobby is open and bright with luminous floor tiles that reflect light deeper into the space. The new overhead lighting was carefully placed in to not disturb the coffered ceiling detail and the lights have integrated fan blades that close up around the fixture like flower petals when turned off. Combining new, modern finishes of leather, glass, porcelain tile, quartz, dark stained woods, natural wall covering, custom furnishings, and lighting creates a space that reflects an intimate and comfortable atmosphere and is up-to-date, yet is respectful of the historic nature of the building.